ADHD in Female Adults Symptoms
ADHD is a problem that affects both men and women, but societal expectations and gender roles often make it harder for them to recognize the signs. Women are also better in hiding their symptoms, which can cause misdiagnosis and delay in treatment.
Obscuring stereotypes, referral biases internalized symptoms and comorbidities can all create obstacles to a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Here are some females' symptoms that aren't being treated for adhd.
1. Trouble focusing
Women and people who were assigned females at birth are often not diagnosed with ADHD. This is in part because women's symptoms are more often inattentive than those of the hyperactive/impulsive type, which make them less likely to get referred for assessment and treatment.
Symptoms of inattentive ADHD include having trouble staying organized or on task, losing important dates or items, and easily being distracted by social or work events. Women with this disorder may also find it difficult to concentrate on their schoolwork or other activities. In some cases, people with ADHD might have difficulty getting or staying asleep due to anxiety, depression or a medical issue.
People who have inattention ADHD tend to hide their symptoms and try to compensate for them. Others might not understand their behavior, leading to confusion, anger and conflict in relationships. This can result in difficulties in their careers and a lack of opportunities at work.
As a result, the impact of untreated ADHD in female adults can be devastating. Women may have difficulty to deal with their problems both at home and in the workplace. This makes it difficult for them to stay afloat while they manage their tasks and strive to meet the goals they set for them.
In addition to having trouble in focusing, many women with ADHD struggle to find emotional support from their families and friends. In the end they may feel isolated or develop self-defeating habits that are unhealthy, such as alcohol abuse.
Women who suffer from untreated ADHD may also experience internalizing symptoms like low self-esteem and feelings guilt, shame or deprivation. This can lead them to be more vulnerable to physical illness, stress and mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. They are more likely than those who do not suffer from the condition to take self-harm or commit suicide. A woman may feel empowered by an diagnosis and take steps to improve her life. However, obtaining diagnosed requires that she first consult a qualified healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and effective treatment.
2. Problems with Time Management
ADHD symptoms can be difficult to manage, particularly in the workplace. Women who aren't diagnosed with ADHD typically have a difficult time following through on work tasks and managing their daily schedule. They may forget appointments, lose important documents or use productivity apps to help keep track of their tasks. These apps are useful but they cannot replace good organizational skills.
The gender roles expectations can increase the severity of ADHD symptoms in women. Women are expected to care for their families and homes which requires a degree of coordination that ADHD sufferers have to work hard to maintain. This pressure from society can cause women suffering from ADHD to feel ashamed and blame themselves for trying to meet these demands.
Troubles with time management could lead to frustration in relationships both professional and personal. The signs of ADHD can cause you to underestimate how long it takes to complete a task, which can cause you to be late for meetings or other commitments. Use a checklist or a planner to the track of deadlines if you're frequently late for events. Take frequent breaks to move around and relax your mind, and utilize a timer while working.
You can also use mindfulness techniques to help you focus on your task and reduce distractions. For example, instead of listening to podcasts or music while working, you can listen to the news on your mobile. If you find it difficult to concentrate while driving, consider changing to a vehicle with manual transmission. You could also consider driving with your phone off to prevent distractions with texting and calls.
If you're diagnosed with ADHD, the mental health professional can recommend treatments and strategies for coping. Treatment options may include medications, like stimulants, as well as psychotherapy. The type of therapy your doctor recommends will be based on your specific needs and the current state of your life. Cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance, can help you accept your thoughts and feelings while replacing bad habits with healthier ones. You can also receive couples or family therapy to improve communication within your relationships.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Females with ADHD have higher levels of depression and anxiety than males. adhd treatment for young adults may struggle to cope with the symptoms, and this can result in a range of unhealthy behavior. In order to deal with their symptoms, they might turn to substances or unhealthy eating habits. These actions can make symptoms worse. Furthermore, women are more likely to be misdiagnosed for these conditions. They could receive the wrong treatment that could increase their mood or trigger other problems.
It's crucial to know that stress, physical conditions, and illnesses can cause symptoms similar to those of ADHD. This is why it's crucial to see a medical practitioner or a mental health professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Researchers believe that the difference in ADHD diagnoses between women and men is due to a mixture of biological and socially constructed roles. Women are usually expected to assume the majority of parenting and household duties than their male counterparts. This can lead to feelings of low self esteem and dysfunctional beliefs, which can lead to an increase in ADHD symptoms.
In addition, women may be less likely to admit their symptoms to a medical professional due to the belief that they should be able to handle the symptoms on their own. Women who suffer from ADHD also may be more likely to blame their symptoms on other factors like a lack of sleep or stress. This can result in many women who suffer from ADHD not being diagnosed until later in life.
Research indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic is particularly challenging for young adults. They are more likely to experience higher rates of depression and anxiety than adults in their middle years. These peak levels coincided with COVID-19-related cases and occurred during a time where protests against racism were on the rise and mass shootings, a decade of high inflation, Russian invasions of Ukraine, recurrent catastrophes and rising unemployment. Chronic and recent stress exposure is a risk factor for anxiety and depression and this combination of factors could explain why these levels have been so persistently increased.
4. Difficulty Making Friends
Women with untreated ADHD can have trouble finding and maintaining friendships particularly as they get older. Social isolation is associated with a range of health issues, including high blood pressure and chronic stress. It is beneficial to have close family members and friends who are able to provide support, but many adults struggle to maintain or form new relationships.
The social norms relating to gender and sexual orientation can have an influence whether women with ADHD receive the treatment and diagnosis they need. In one study, teachers or parents were less likely than men to refer girls to services for ADHD. This is thought to be partly due to the different types of symptoms that manifest in girls and boys: boys and men typically display hyperactive/impulsive-type symptoms, while girls and women typically show primarily inattentive-type symptoms.
These expectations from society for girls and women can cause them to develop ADHD symptoms. Girls and women are often held to a higher standard than boys and men for the behaviors, attitudes, and traits they exhibit--particularly in relation to their empathy and ability to relate to others. This makes women and girls more likely to be punished for exhibiting ADHD-related symptoms like inattention and disorganization. In the end, they could be mistakenly diagnosed as having an anxiety disorder or a mood disorder or a mood disorder, and their ADHD symptoms might not be treated appropriately.
Additionally, hormonal fluctuations can further amplify ADHD symptoms in females. Estrogen levels are lower at the end of menstrual cycles and during ovulation, which can make the symptoms of women and girls get worse. This can lead to confusion in adolescents, particularly when it is combined with hormonal changes. It can be difficult to identify and treat them properly.
Although it is true that many of the same therapies work for women with ADHD like they do for men, a mental health professional will be required to assess each person's particular needs and symptoms. The kind of treatment that a person receives will depend on their ADHD symptoms, as in addition to other factors that may be contributing to their problems. For instance the history of depression or trauma. The most common treatment options are cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps people learn to change their negative thoughts and replace them with healthier ones, and couples counseling which can help couples improve their communication and solve issues in their relationships.